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Highlights |
Friedrich Lips’ Dates for 2012 – UK, Russia, Netherlands, Austriaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
Famous Russian accordionist and teacher Friedrich Lips has the following engagements listed in his diary for the first half of 2012: February 20th, 10am to 5pm - master class at the Recital Room, Royal Academy of Music, London. This master class will focus on the accordion works of Sofia Gubaidulina, the majority of which are dedicated to Friedrich Lips. March 12th to 15th - master class in Kasan, Russia March 19th - All-Russian Day of the Bayan, Accordion and Harmonica in Moscow March 22nd and 23rd - Head of jury in Tver, Russia March 29th to April 3rd - master class in Petrosovodsk, Russia April 10th to 14th - concerts with Chamber orchestra (Bronner, Piazzolla) in Kurgan and Magnitogorsk, Russia April 28th – master class at the conservatory in Den Haag, Netherlands July 8th to 12th - workshop at ‘Musikforum Viktring’, Carinthia, Austria Friedrich Lips (born 1948) is Head Professor of the Accordion Department at the Gnessin-Institute, Moscow. His list of accomplishments both as a teacher and as a performer is enormously impressive, and he has toured internationally many times and recorded some 23 CD's which are available online at the Friedrich Lips website. He has arranged and transcribed numerous arrangements and transcriptions of organ and piano works for the accordion. Friedrich Lips is as an invited adjudicator at many international accordion competitions, and is the organizer and Artistic Director of the international festival ‘Bayan and Bayanists’, held annually in Moscow since 1989. In 1994 Lips was honoured as a ‘People's Artist’ of Russia. For further information email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.at |
Brendan Power and Tim Edey Win BBC Radio 2 ‘Best Duo’ Award - UKby Rob Howard |
Brendan Power, from New Zealand, is one of the world’s leading harmonica players, and UK-born Tim Edey is a fine player of both the 2-row diatonic accordion and the acoustic guitar. Brendan Power and Tim Edey won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for ‘Best Duo’, and Tim Edey was voted ‘Best Musician’ in a televised event on February 10th in Manchester, UK. Their recently released debut CD, ‘Wriggle and Writhe’, demonstrates the combination of harmonica and diatonic accordion brilliantly. On February 17th, 11pm, the duo can be heard on the ‘World On Three’ program on BBC Radio 3. Performance dates include: February 18th – The Globe, Glossop, Derbyshire February 19th – Frome Folk Festival, Somerset February 24th – Petruskirche, Berlin, Germany February 26th - Kulturhaus Centre Bagatelle, Falkensee, Germany For further information email: bren@brendan-power.com |
Kimmo Pohjonen ‘Soundbreaker’ Film Premiere and Tour – Australia, NZ, Singaporeby Rob Howard |
‘Soundbreaker’ is an 86 minute music documentary film about the life and career of Finnish accordionist Kimmo Pohjonen, featuring interviews, story, photos, music, video and archive material from Pohjonen’s 35 year career in music. The film is directed by Kimmo Koskela, and produced by Kimmo Koskela and Klaus Heydemann. ‘Soundbreaker premieres’ in four cities: February 22nd and 23rd – Film Archive, Wellington, New Zealand March 9th – WOMADelaide, Adelaide, Australia March 9th – Film Festival, International Documentary Competition, Tampere, Finland March 15th to 25th – FIFA (International Festival of Films on Art, Competition section), Montreal, Canada Solo concert tour dates: March 3rd and 4th - New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, NZ March 8th – Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Recital Centre, Melbourne, Australia March 10th and 11th - WOMADelaide, Adelaide, Australia March 16th – Mosaic Music Festival, Singapore For further information email: pap@hoedown.com |
2012 National Accordion Convention Final Notice!, Dallas - USAby Rob Howard |
The 2012 Convention and 25th Anniversary of the National Accordion Association (NAA) takes place from March 15th to 17th at the Westin Park Central Hotel, Dallas, Texas. Guest performers include Murl Sanders, ‘Squeezebox’ (Molly B and Ted), Betty Jo Simon, and Tatiana Semichasnaya. Picture left is NAA President Norman Seaton and his wife Sharon. The guaranteed discount rate for the hotel (with breakfast) and a chance to win free convention registration ends on Sunday February 19th 2012. Organiser Norman Seaton adds, “We are adding ‘House Concerts’ to our agenda. This is a new way for accordionist to make more money doing what we do best”. For further information email: NatlAccordion@SBCGlobal.net |
XIV Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival – Finlandby Rob Howard |
The 14th annual Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival takes place from February 19th to 26th, organised by Raimo Vertainen (picture right). The Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival demonstrates the great versatility of the accordion, with classical, folk, sacred and modern works, jazz, dance, chanson, and light music all performed. The program will also include outdoor events. Visitors can also expect to see contemporary dance and theatre, and enjoy clubs, films, the Great Light Music Concerts ‘In the Name of Love’ and ‘Squeezebox’. There will also be hot air ballooning in Kokkola market square! This year’s guests include Renato Borghetti (Brazil), Pasi Kaunisto, the Guardia Nueva tango orchestra with soloists Matti Lepänhaara and Angelika Klas, Matti Esko & Kapris, and more. The Italian composer Gioacchino Rossini’s Mass ‘Petite messe solennelle’ for choir accordion, piano and soloists, will feature Sari Viinikainen, Professor at Osthrobothnian Conservatory, playing the harmonium part on accordion. Also, for the Guinness Book of World Records, Kokkola is going to attempt to make the Biggest Snow Accordion in the world! For further information email: raimo.vertainen@pp.inet.fi |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
NAO North Central Area Festival, West Yorkshire – UKby Anna Bodell of Charnwood Publications |
The NAO North Central Area Festival, a qualifier for the NAO UK Championships was held on Saturday February 11th in Saltaire West Yorkshire. Picture above is: Roland UK Representative Dean Lawrence, winner Alexander Bodell, Graham Laurie adjudicator. The venue with 4 competition halls and a trade area proved to be a great success – with over 250 entries in accordion classes – all adjudicators commented on the high standard of performance with the highest mark of the day in NAO sections 94, being awarded to Alexander Bodell, who was placed first in the 4 solo categories he entered. It was good to see that the new initiative in a number of local schools in this area led to many young accordionists attending an accordion festival for the first time. Next year’s event is already being organised with the plan of moving the festival to November. The NAO UK Championships will be held at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool, April 27th to 29th. Entry closing date is February 28th 2012 and rules and entries forms are on the NAO website. Results of the NAO North Central Area Festival may be found at www.accordions.com/nao |
Gordon Pattullo ‘Out Of My Hands’ CD, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
Gordon Pattullo, from Blairgowrie, Perthshire, is one of Scotland’s best known and most admired accordionists, with a career dating back to the 1970s when he became an All Scotland Accordion Champion. ‘Out Of My Hands’ is the title of Gordon Pattullo’s latest CD. Accompaniment is provided by Angela MacEachern (fiddle), John Crawford (piano), Brian Cruickshank (bass guitar) and Billy Young (guitar, banjo). The tracks include: Matthew & Karen's Wedding March, Da Shetland Set, Medley, Lady Elizabeth's Air, Bagpipe Medley, The Tennessee Waltz, Edwin Flawes of Wyre, Water Sound Shore, Irish Hornpipes, Up Beat, Celtic Connections, To The West, Waltzes, French Canadian Polka. For further information email: info@concordemusic.com |
‘14 Years Ago’ Massimiliano Pitocco in the News - Italyby Rob Howard |
Massimiliano Pitocco, currently Professor at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome, had a memorable New Year in 1998 by appearing on TV in Italy, then jetting off to Japan for two concerts with Yukary Nakayama. The Accordions Worldwide news for February 13th 1998 included two short items about these activities. MASSIMO PITOCCO ON THE ‘FLYING CARPET’ TV SHOW - ITALY Contributed by Paolo Picchio On January 9th Massimiliano Pitocco (bandoneon) and Rosario Mastroserio (piano) appeared on the television show ‘The Flying Carpet’, hosted by Luciano Rispoli and broadcast by Telemontecarlo. They performed pieces by Astor Piazzolla (including ‘Jeanne’, ‘Paul’, and ‘Libertango’) and took part in a talk show discussing Astor Piazzolla and the history of the bandoneon. MASSIMO PITOCCO AND YUKARI NAKAYAMA IN CONCERT - JAPAN Contributed by Holda Paoletti-Kampl Massimiliano Pitocco and Yukary Nakayama recently gave two concerts in Japan, on January 18th at the Yabakey Sunny Hall, Oita, and January 28th at the Tokamachi Town Hall, Niigata. Both concerts received warm praise by the critics and audience. On the day of the second concert, even a heavy snowfall couldn't prevent a large audience attending and enjoying the performance of the two musicians. |
Future events |
Ludovic Beier at CNIMA J.Mornet, Auvergne – Franceby Rob Howard |
Ludovic Beier will lead an accordion techniques course, Tuesday March 6th to Thursday 8th, at CNIMA J.Mornet. The course will include practical tips and instrumental techniques, MIDI and digital accordions, playing and improvising in the gypsy jazz style, stress management, and more. The course includes full board at CNIMA J.Mornet, in the beautiful area of the Auvergne. In June 2011 Ludovic Beier ran a course, ‘Gypsy swing in the digital world’ at CNIMA, supported by Roland, which was fully subscribed within days of being announced. For further information email: cnima@wanadoo.fr |
‘Piaf: The Songs’ On Tour, Spring 2012 Dates – UK, Barbadosby Rob Howard |
‘Piaf: The Songs’ is a tribute concert starring French vocalist Eve Loiseau, accompanied by accordionist Eddy Jay and violinist Fiona Barrow. Edith Piaf (1915-63) went from being a Paris street urchin to a legendary international star. Many of her performances and recordings feature accordion accompaniment. Tour dates: February 18th – Bridge House Theatre, Warwick School February 23rd - Alnwick Playhouse February 24th – Tolbooth, Stirling March 2nd – Lighthouse, Poole, Dorset March 14th to 17th – Pleasance Theatre, Islington, London March 28th – Holders Season, Barbados April 15th – Quecumber, Battersea, London April 18th – City Varieties Theatre, Leeds April 26th – Square Chapel, Halifax April 27th – Junction, Goole May 4th – Uppingham Theatre May 11th – Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham May 12th – The Neeld Hall, Chippenham May 16th – Norbreck Castle, Accordion Festival, Blackpool June 13th – Harrogate Theatre June 25th - Proms at St Jude’s, London June 28th – Brewhouse, Taunton July 14th – Petworth Festival For further information email: adrian@uktouring.org.uk |
Orkestar Bez Ime and EDT Concert, Minnesota – USAby Rob Howard |
On February 18th, 7pm to 11pm, the Orkestar Bez Ime and Ethnic Dance Theatre (EDT), featuring accordionist Dee Langley, perform at the CSPS Hall, 383 Michigan St., St Paul, Minnesota. Dee Langley writes, “Break out of the winter doldrums with OBI and EDT! It's the time for Carnival celebrations and Masquerade balls! For further information email: dlangley@airaccordion.com |
Milos Milivojevic Concert, London – UKby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Milos Milivojevic performs with the Orion Orchestra, conducted by Toby Purser, in a concert at the Cadogan Hall, Sloan Terrace, Chelsea, London, on February 20th, 7.30pm. The concert is billed as a ‘Concert for Peace and Prosperity Eastern Voices, Western Echoes’. For further information email: milosmusic@hotmail.com |
Delphine Lemoine Plays For Dancing, Avallon – Franceby Rob Howard |
Musette accordionist Delphine Lemoine and her band play for dancing at the village hall in Avallon, Burgundy, on Sunday February 18th, from 3pm until 8pm. |
Brandon McPhee Trio Concert, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
The Brandon McPhee Trio perform at the Wick Accordion and Fiddle Club, Mackay's Hotel, Wick, in the north of Scotland on Tuesday February 21st, 7.30pm. Teenager Brandon McPhee, a Shand Morino player, has emerged as one of Scotland’s brightest young accordion talents. |
Melbourne Accordion Orchestra Concerts – Australiaby Rob Howard |
The Melbourne Accordion Orchestra (picture above) will be performing as follows: February 25th, 1pm - community stage, Moonee Valley Festival, Queens Park, Moonee Valley March 4th, 2.45pm - Knox Festival, Wally Tew Recreation Reserve, Brenock Park Drive, Ferntree Gully, Melway March 25th - Arty Farty Festival, Warringal Park, Heidelberg, Banyule The Melbourne Accordion Orchestra, formed in 2002, consists of accordions, drums, bass guitar, xylophone, guitar, keyboard and percussion. The orchestra, conducted by Iryna Stepko, has a repertoire which includes classical, popular, ethnic, international, and traditional music. For further information email: melbaccordion@gmail.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Klaus Paier releses new CDsby Klaus Paier |
Klaus Paier selling new CDs titled 'Movimiento CD', catalog: kpaier103 and 'Vibrations'. catalog:kpaier104 with sound samples. Music performed by Klaus Paeir. Purchase online. |
Gary Dahl Releases 4 New Arrangements - USAby Gary Dahl |
Gary Dahl - performer, composer, arranger, recording artist and music educator announces the following new music titles for purchase on-line. 'Clair de Lune', catalog:DH0233, 'Piano Concerto No.2', catalog:DH0234, 'Funiculi Funicula', catalog:DH0235 and 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra', catalog:DH0236. Samples for this music is now available at the MusicForAccordion web site. The music is in eSheet format e-mailed directly to your computer. Easy purchase with credit card. |
Donato Santoianni selling his new CDby Donato Santoianni |
Donato Santoianni selling new CDs titled 'That's Mine ', catalog: donato501 with sound samples. Music performed by Donato Santoianni. Purchase online. |
Klaus Paier selling new CD Packsby Klaus Paier |
Klaus Paier selling new CD Packs, catalog: kpaier3Packs, catalog:kpaier6Packs and catalog:kpaier8Packs with sound samples. Music performed by Klaus Paier. Purchase online. |
Rebecca Oliver releases new musicby Rebecca Oliver |
Rebecca Oliver - accordionist, arranger, writer, releases 3 new pieces for accordion, available for purchase online. 'Brosna and Mary Willie’s Slide Set', catalog:ro402, 'Pigtown Fling and Ger the Rigger Reel Set', catalog:ro403 and 'Chief O’Neill’s and Sweep’s Hornpipe Set', catalog:ro404. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
CD Reviews |
Kein Schöner Land CD by Leuchter - Melroseby Alessandro Mugnoz |
CD Reviews Index for the Review of Kein Schöner Land CD, Italian and English, reviewed by Alessandro Mugnoz. Artist is Manfred Leuchter and Ian Melrose. |
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